Prima-donna Rap Dogs `Gma's' Vargas

Elizabeth Vargas, news anchor for ABC's "Good Morning America," expected the media spotlight that came her way a couple of weeks ago after "GMA" co-anchor Joan Lunden announced she was leaving.

She just didn't expect the glare to be so harsh.

The intensity flared up a few weeks ago when TV Guide, in a report about Vargas being a top contender to succeed Lunden, printed excerpts of a putative ABC News memo about Vargas. TV Guide said the memo stipulated star perks such as "two-camera shoots whenever it involves her interviewing somebody," "hair and makeup at location," "she doesn't want to be there if you're shooting B-roll" (background video), and "always assume that she will be running a bit late (15-30 minutes)."

Vargas, who denies the star-treatment rap, was stung by the leak. "It's very difficult to read things about yourself that you know aren't true, from people who never called you for comment," she said. "That's never easy."

The TV Guide report prompted a flurry of sympathetic calls to Vargas from media personalities who have been under similar scrutiny.

"Diane Sawyer and Barbara Walters were two of the first people to pick up the phone," she said.

Oh, and there was another important caller: "Nobody was more supportive of me than Joan," she said.

Vargas, who entered morning TV as a correspondent and occasional sub anchor on NBC's "Today," recalled how her departure for "GMA" a year ago led to printed speculation that she was there to nudge Lunden out of her job.

It didn't happen that way, and she is quick to dismiss rumors of off-camera conflict between her and Lunden.

"I think there's an element of sexism in it," she said. "At first, we sort of laughed about it. Then we both started to get a little irritated. You know, guys, it is possible for two women to work together and get along."

In fact, as for her "GMA" future, both Vargas and ABC News president David Westin said it's still too early to lay odds on her role.

Westin said Lunden, who is leaving "GMA" in September, deserves a fitting tribute before talk about her replacement gets serious. "What I've said internally is that there is no rush," Westin told the News. "It's very important when you have someone of Joan Lunden's ability and stature that we provide enough time to pay attention to her.

"When the time is right, we will announce a decision."

And is Vargas interested in the job? "Absolutely," she said.

Would she take it if it were offered? "We'd have to have discussions."